CPU Power Domain Segmentation for Voltage Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power management techniques for central processing units (CPUs) face limitations in reducing power consumption due to the requirement of embedded memories, which restrict the voltage reduction needed to optimize core block performance, leading to inefficiencies in energy efficiency and heat generation.
Innovation Solution
Separating the power domains of memory blocks and core blocks within CPUs, allowing for independent voltage regulation and dynamic control using separate voltage regulator modules and dynamic voltage controllers, enabling optimized operation voltages for each domain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the power supply voltage of the CPU is reduced to decrease power consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but the speed of the CPU is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the CPU into separate power domains: a first power domain for the core block and a second power domain for the embedded memory block. This segmentation allows independent voltage control of each domain, enabling the core block to operate at lower voltages for reduced power consumption while the memory block maintains higher voltages for reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different voltage levels are applied to different parts of the CPU based on their specific requirements. The core block receives a first operation voltage optimized for its performance needs, while the embedded memory block receives a second operation voltage (higher than the first) optimized for its reliability requirements. This local quality approach resolves the contradiction by allowing voltage reduction in the core without compromising memory operation.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the power supply voltage is reduced to optimize energy efficiency, then energy efficiency is improved, but the minimum operation voltage requirement of embedded memories cannot be satisfied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power supply system into separate voltage regulator modules for the core block and embedded memory block. This allows the memory block to receive adequate voltage from its dedicated regulator while the core block operates at lower voltages, simultaneously achieving reliable memory operation and optimized energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different voltage quality levels to different blocks: the embedded memory block receives a higher second operation voltage to satisfy its Vcc_min requirement and ensure reliable read/write operations, while the core block operates at a lower first operation voltage to optimize energy efficiency. Each block receives the specific voltage quality it needs.
3Device complexity
If a single power domain is used for the entire CPU, then device complexity is reduced, but power consumption cannot be optimized for different blocks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces segmentation of the power domain into at least two separate power domains with independent voltage regulation. While this increases structural complexity slightly, it enables significant power consumption optimization by allowing the core block to operate at lower voltages during low-performance tasks while the memory block maintains its voltage requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit includes a central processing unit (CPU), which includes a first memory block having a first power domain; and a core block signally connected to the first memory block and having a second power domain disconnected from the first power domain.